Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle
If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, you’re in the right place. Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle is a delightful marriage of tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and farfalle pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the rich, savory flavors that come from fresh garlic and butter. Ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness? Let’s get started.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle is a go-to for so many home cooks. First, the farfalle pasta’s bow-tie shape is perfect for holding onto that garlicky butter sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. The chicken breast is diced into small pieces, allowing it to cook quickly and evenly, while the broccoli adds a fresh pop of color, texture, and nutrition. Butter and garlic are a timeless duo that creates a fragrant, rich base. A splash of chicken broth adds moisture and depth without overpowering the delicate flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together with a subtle nutty finish. This recipe is balanced, satisfying, and easy to customize.
What Goes Into Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle
- 8 oz farfalle pasta – The star carbohydrate that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Provides crunch, color, and nutrition.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Creates the rich, silky sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor without heaviness.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a creamy finish.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) – Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
Recommended Tools
- Large pot – For boiling the farfalle pasta to al dente perfection.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – To cook the chicken and broccoli, and to make the garlic butter sauce.
- Sharp chef’s knife – For dicing chicken and chopping garlic and parsley.
- Colander – To drain the pasta once it’s cooked.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring the sauce and mixing everything together.
- Measuring spoons and cups – To ensure precise seasoning and ingredient ratios.
Make Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle: A Simple Method
Step 1: Cook the Farfalle Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful. Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained farfalle pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss well. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Spring to Winter: Ideas
- Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a seasonal twist.
- Add cherry tomatoes in summer for a burst of sweetness.
- In colder months, incorporate sautéed mushrooms or kale for earthiness.
- Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
- Serve alongside a fresh leafy green salad for a complete meal.
- For an extra creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Chef’s Rationale
This recipe was designed to balance ease with flavor. Using diced chicken breast allows for quick cooking while keeping the meat tender. The garlic butter sauce is simple but powerful, elevating basic ingredients with rich, aromatic notes. Broccoli adds both texture and nutrition, creating a colorful plate that’s pleasing to the eye and palate. Incorporating chicken broth rather than cream keeps the dish lighter but still moist and flavorful. Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a hint of umami that rounds out the savory profile.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creaminess, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.
- Do not freeze pasta dishes with cream or butter-based sauces as texture can change upon thawing.
- For best freshness, add the chopped parsley just before serving.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Add it to the skillet a bit earlier to ensure it cooks through properly.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives that provide a similar salty, nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast can also be used for a dairy-free option.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the farfalle pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be mindful of cooking times, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster and can become mushy if overcooked.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and cook the broccoli in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything in the skillet to finish with the garlic butter sauce. This will keep the textures and flavors at their best.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Try the Garlic Butter Scallop Fettuccine for a seafood twist on a garlic butter pasta.
- For a cheesy baked option, check out the Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne that’s rich and satisfying.
- Explore a vegetarian take by swapping chicken for sautéed mushrooms and adding spinach.
- Add a touch of heat by stirring in red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
Bring It Home
Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle is the ideal recipe when you want something quick, flavorful, and wholesome on your table. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or protein swaps. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon for a light, refreshing meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy the rich, buttery garlic sauce coating every forkful of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. Bon appétit!
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Garlic Butter Chicken & Broccoli Farfalle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful. Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
- Add the drained farfalle pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss well. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to maintain sauce creaminess.
- Swap broccoli for seasonal veggies like asparagus, green beans, or add mushrooms for variation.
